Input on C4S vs C2 ('02 or later) sought

I'll apologize in advance if I screw up this message as I'm new to Rennlist (although not to Porsches). I have done a search but am interested in opinions on the following. I'm in the process of looking for a 996 and have driven a C2 coupe and cabrio but not a C4S. I've decided to keep my 944S2 Cabrio and get a coupe but would like input on how differently a C4S drives to the C2. I live in N. California so don't deal with very bad weather. Can anyone give me their perspective on the difference between the two 996's? I know that the weight difference is there as well as better traction, beefed up suspension and brakes etc. (including the different look which I like) but do the two cars feel quite different? Although I like the looks of the C4S I'm unwilling to pay the premium unless the actual driving experience is enhanced. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've driven both cars, but I drove the C2 when I already had the C4S. I say this because I most likely was already biased towards the C4S. It seems you already have the basic facts down, and are looking for opinions. You can search the archives. Lots and lots of discussions and debates there, but I can probably summarize it for you. C4S owners will loudly proclaim how the differences markedly improve the C4S performance and appearance, while C2 owners will staunchly defend the true 911 feel of the C2. Each owner will prefer their own version of the 996. Afterall, they did buy it didn't they? Bottom line, you'll have to find some way to try the two cars yourself. Not much help in this reply, I know, but I doubt you'll get any better help without trying the cars yourself.

I would say it depends on your driving style. If you like to let the tail hang out, go for the C2 If you like to power through the turns go for the C4S. BTW you can still "drift" a C4 it's just more difficult.

FWIW I drove several versions before I made my decision. When I was looking I was convinced that I would prefer the C2 (I do like to let the tail wag on occasion) but was surprised to find that I much preferred the C4S. It felt much easier to drive, totally planted and felt quicker off the line to me (even though I know it is not). That is my own personal opinion but the best bet is find a willing dealer and give it a try. It's the only way to be sure on such an expensive purchase. Barry

After 10 years of driving RWD bmws (well, OK, a Honda S2000 snuck in there), I was dead set on a C2. I found my M3 fantastic on the track, and sorta viewed the AWD cars as 'cheater' cars, and at the least, not appealing to purists. I drove several C2s. I liked them, and was awed by the steering precision and the way you could swing the rear around. I knew it was a whole different ballgame than my M3 on the track, but was up for the learning curve. I was sold. Hanging out at the dealer, a young associate insisted that I drive a C4S after hearing about my driving habits. I declined, but one saturday I had a morning free and thought, WTF? I drove up took a new C4S with 32 miles on the clock, and let her rip. I was smitten. No weird porpoising diagonally, far less trailing thottle oversteer, and less power-on understeer. It felt like a buttoned down, faster, more confident version of my M3. I knew I had to have one. As a new owner, in retrospect, I think that a fair comparison is b/t a RoW M030 C2 and a C4S, but stock for stock, there is no question in my mind that the C4S is the platform I wanted. I'm also partial to full leather (which the C4S comes standard with), loved the widebody, and appreciate the turbo brakes for track use. Add to that, I would have had to have added the aero kit to the C2 to be happy with it, and the C4S was the obvious value, AWD aside. No big brakes to add for track use, no aero kit to source and paint, no longing for full leather and the widebody. My only regret is that I did not hang out and wait for the 997S, although in pics I still think the 996 has a better interior (wassup with the corvette doorpanels and the retro-dated styling and poor use of aluminum?) and I like the teardrops better than the VW headlights. The 997 has phenomenal performance from what has been published so far, and Porsche has never failed to bring out succeeding generations with performance that shadow prior cars.

Thanks all for the feedback (anyone else willing to chime in will also be appreciated). I think everyone is right that I need to drive a C4S to compare to the C2s I've driven before making a decision. Having said that it helps to hear your experiences and opinions. Now I'm worried that I'll like the S and will have to spend even more $s! Oh well - thanks.

I think you should definitely wait until the 997s arrive. You may prefer them to the 996s - if not, the 996s will be slightly cheaper by then.

I REALLY wanted a C2 and drove several variants at my dealer just to finalize my spec. Sales guy suggests that just before I finalize the spec I should drive the C4S, just to exclude it... Coming from an Audi S4 I quickly realized that the C4S had my name on it. The difference is night and day and not a difficult decision at all once you've tried them both. Some 16 months later I would now like to try a C2 again to see if familiarity leaves me preferring the C4S or now that I'm used to the rear engined thing, that I would prefer a C2, or God forbid, a GT3... I've no intention of looking - well, until the 997 is at least a year old!

exalfisti, check your PM. Thanks

Exalfisti-If you are an Ex-alfisti you may prefer the c-2 over the c-4.I own an 02 c-2 and have had a fair amount of experience in the c-4 on the track(I instruct for various clubs and schools)The c-4 is easier to drive quicker out of the box than the c-2 .Everything that has been said above about the two cars is absolutely true.I find the c-2 to be more fun to drive fast and on the limit probably a little quicker.The c-4 does a lot of the dirty work for you but I enjoy doing the dirty work and I feel that I am building my car control skills as a driver more with the c-2.I am sure that their are a lot of other equally valid opinions about either car and, when you drive the c-4 try and really wring it out that will give you the best information .good luck

Interesting. I am an ex-Alfisti and started any real driving on my part long ago by hanging the tail out on a beat up Alfa spider. I loved drifting that car around corners! Too bad Alfa is gone to the U.S. (and front wheel drive now).

TVTH, what you say makes sense to me. On the track, cars seem to be a continuum of evil>>>>entertaining>>>>stable. I considered my M3 to be remarkably stable, almost too forgiving of your screw-ups on track, and my S2000 to be evil (can you say snap oversteer?). I'm thinking that the C2 and C4S are different shades of entertaining, with the C2 being the more engaging car.

Engaging is what I think!The C-4s is undoubtedly the best NA AWD car in the world .But what Porsche does in configuring their race cars says it all.You can be sure if AWD was an advantage the GT-3RS would be so equipped.That is not to take anything away from the C-4S.I love sliding my car and I feel that the steering in the C-2 is more communicative.